LONDON ROWING CLUB December NEWSLETTER 2012
! 2012 - A Golden Year PAGE 1 Olympic Games
In a stunning race, London's Sophie Hosking and her down the course and the gathering storm clouds In one of the closest finishes of the rega a, LRC's partner Kat Copeland, coached by LRC Chief Coach overhead. Halfway down the course they poured on Rob Williams, rowing in the 2 seat of the GB light- Paul Reedy, won Team GB's fourth gold medal of weight men's four, won a silver medal, just being the Olympic rega a, the first ever gold medal by a edged out on the line by South Africa. Rowing in GB lightweight women's crew. Si ng in third place lane 3, GB were only in 5th place a er 500m but a at the 500m mark, the GB double moved through strong second 500m saw them move up into 3rd at China during the second 500 and surged past the the halfway mark. Urged on by the 30,000-strong reigning world champions Greece around the crowd, GB caught Denmark in the last 500m and 1250m mark. Cheered on by the fana cal Eton Dor- ney crowd, GB sculled away from the field over the final 500m, crossing the line over 2.5 seconds clear of China who caught Greece on the line.
the pace as the heavens opened around them. Ear- lier they had been led by New Zealand on the oppo- site side of the course. By 1200m gone Hosking and Copeland had created a length lead and behind these two leaders a surging ba le raged between Cuba Result and Denmark. Denmark not only emerged to see off Cuba 1. GBR 7:09.30 although briefly managing to get their bows in front, but to take the second quali- 2. CHN 7:11.93 just lost out to the fast-finishing South Africans in a fying slot for the semi-final 3. GRE 7.12.09 blanket finish. by overhauling New Zealand 4. DEN 7:15.53 Hosking and Copeland had been the fastest qualifi- Speaking a erwards, Rob said: in the final stretch. Roared 5. AUS 7:20.68 ers for the final, winning their semi-final comforta- on by a vociferous home 6. GER 7:22.18 bly ahead of Greece and Germany and some five “You can't be upset when you win a silver medal crowd, Hosking and Cope- seconds faster than the winners of the other semi- with 30,000 people cheering you on. It was a fabu- land maintained their blister- final, China. lous experience. We laid it all down. I couldn't give ing pace to win. more and nor could the other three.” Wai ng in the s llness of the start for their heat, GB seemed immune to both the crowd noise further ! PAGE 2 Olympic Games
In the semi-final, Switzerland and GB were the early 30,000 spectators in the packed grandstands, GB leaders and at the 500m mark had about 1/4 length rowed away from the field and crossed the line one on the remainder of the field. At the 1000m mark, length ahead of Australia, with Germany a further the Swiss and GB crews maintained their advantage half length back just pipping Czech Republic for the with Germany snapping at their heels. A strong third third semi-final place. The first London athlete to race in a final of the re- ga a was Bill Lucas, who, with Sam Townsend, in the men's double sculls. GB got off to a fast start in lane 1, lying in 2nd place at the 500m mark. At 1000m, Sydney 2000 gold medallists Spik & Cop from Slovenia were out in front by a length, with GB In their semi-final, barely a length separated all six s ll in conten on in 3rd. By 1500m , Italy in lane 6 crews a er 500m with GB in fourth behind early had pushed through into the lead, with GB in a leaders Slovenia. At the half-way mark, Slovenia had opened up clear water on Lithuania, GB and Norway who were scrapping for the two remaining final places. With 500m to go, Slovenia had extended their advantage to 2 lengths and held on to win. In the sprint for the line, Lithuania just held off GB, 500m by GB saw them draw level with Switzerland, with Norway, winners of the Munich World Cup join- with both crews passing 1500m a length up on ing Olympic champions Australia in the B Final. Germany. Roared on by the crowd, GB wound the rate up to 38 and crossed the line 1/2 length ahead In the heat, the GB double established an early lead of Switzerland and the fast-finishing Dutch. as they, New Zealand and Argen na pulled away from Estonia. By the 1,000m A er a blistering start in their mark, Argen na had estab- Result Result heat, GB se led down into a lished a slender lead which 1. RSA 6:02.84 strong race pace and shared they maintained through to 1. NZL 6:31.59 2. GBR 6:03.09 the early lead with world 2. ITL 6:32.80 three-way tussle for bronze with New Zealand and 1,500m. In the final sprint 3. DEN 6:03.16 champions Australia. At the 3. SLO 6:34.35 Argen na. World champions New Zealand un- for the line, New Zealand 4. AUS 6:04.05 halfway mark, Australia had 4. ARG 6:36.36 leashed a devasta ng turn of speed comple ng the came through to snatch first 5. SUI 6:09.30 an advantage of 1/3 length 5. GBR 6:40.54 last 500m 3.5 seconds faster than anyone else to place, in a new Olympic best 6. NED 6:11.39 but with 500m to go GB had 6. LTU 6:42.96 take the gold medal, with GB finishing 5th. me, by a canvas from GB. drawn level. Roared on by ! PAGE 3 Olympic Games
Phelan Hill, an honorary member of LRC, coxed the Our principal guests included Mrs Di Ellis CBE the To her surprise, our gold-medallist Sophie Hosking GB eight to a courageous bronze medal in a thrilling Chairman of Bri sh Rowing, David Tanner Bri sh was 'introduced' by her father. David Hosking has race. Rowing's Performance Director and Interna onal been a member of LRC for over 30 years and won a Manager, and interna onal coaches Robin Williams gold medal in the Lightweight Eight at the World Robin Williams coached Team GB's Helen Glover and Nick Strange. We were delighted to welcome Championships in 1980. Evidently, her father's and Heather Stanning to their historic gold medal in Richard Tracey, our local London Assembly Member achievement had inspired Sophie to seek to emulate the women's pair in a terrific race, umpired by LRC (and President of Kingston Rega a) and also the it, which she did in style at this year's Olympics. So- member Chris Drury. At the medal ceremony, Helen Deputy Mayoress of Wandsworth. phie spoke movingly about her rega a, about how and Heather were presented with their flowers by when it started she had never felt in be er shape, LRC President and FISA Treasurer Mike Williams. Highlights of the evening were brief presenta ons and about how her and her partner's me culous given by our principal Olympic representa ves, in- The GB women's eight, coached by London's Nick race plans had fallen into place. For once in her life, troduced by our own President and FISA Treasurer with 200 metres to go in her Olympic Final, Sophie Strange, were just pipped for 5th place on the line in Mike Williams. Paul Reedy, coach of the gold- the final of women's eights. did not want the race to end, but wanted instead to winning Women's Lightweight Double Scull of So- be able to savour the experience! At the Paralympic Games, London member Kevin Du phie Hosking and Kat Copeland, led the way. Ac- Toit and his Ireland crew finished 4th in the B final of companied by film clips of their races which they There was talk in the bar at the end of the evening, the LTA MIX 4+. talked us through, he was followed by Bill Lucas, amongst some of our older members, about the Phelan Hill and Rob Williams. All spoke of their possibility of hanging the Women's Olympic Double In October, over 90 members and their guests strong affec on for LRC and the part it had played sculling boat from the Long Room ceiling once it is crowded into the Clubhouse to recognise the bringing them towards their interna onal success. re red from the Bri sh Rowing fleet, as a suitable achievements of our 2012 Olympic athletes. partner to Casamajor's sculling boat and the Berlin four.
! PAGE 4 European Championships World Rowing Cup
London's success on the interna onal stage con n- London Rowing Club's interna onal representa ves Focussed on the task in hand, the GB quartet, ued at the European Rowing Championship, where dis nguished themselves at the first World Cup in stroked by Chris Bartley were tucked into fourth Imogen Walsh, together with Ruth Walczak from Belgrade. Bill Lucas, Sophie Hosking and Rob Wil- place with 700m of the race under their belts in a Molesey Boat Club, coached by LRC's Phil Bour- liams all won Silver medals in their respec ve race lead by Switzerland. S ll in fourth place at guignon won a bronze medal in lightweight women's Finals. Imogen Walsh took second place in the B halfway you sensed that an a ack was coming from Final in Lightweight Women's Doubles. GB. Within 500m they had moved into the lead and had a length on the field. Then came the move from All three of London Rowing Club’s interna onal rep- Australia and the Danes as they tried to claw the resenta ves – Sophie Hosking, Bill Lucas and Rob margin back in a furious sprint to the line but to no Williams - reached the Finals of their respec ve avail. Gold to GB in 6:16.34 with Australia second events at the second World Cup Rega a, in and Denmark third. Lucerne. However, the standard of compe on was higher than in Belgrade, and only Rob Williams won Imogen Walsh in the second Lightweight Women’s a medal – a well-earned Bronze in the Lightweight Double did well to reach her first World Cup Final, Men’s Fours. finishing within 10 seconds of the winners New Zea- land. All four of London Rowing Club's interna onals were double sculls. In near-perfect condi ons on Lake in ac on at the third World Cup Rega a, in Munich, Varese in Italy, the GB double were up against the and all reached their respec ve Finals. Sophie Greek bronze medallists from London 2012 and Italy, Hosking and Bill Lucas just missed out on a medal who just missed out by 1 place on qualifica on for both coming 4th respec vely, but Rob Williams tri- the Olympic Games. At the 500m mark, Greece and umphed in the Lightweight Men’s Fours event, win- Poland had opened up clear water on the rest of the ning gold. field. By half-way, Italy had moved into second, be- Peter Chambers had returned from injury to the GB hind Greece with Poland dropping back to third and Rowing Team’s lightweight men’s four for this re- GB fourth. With 500m to go, GB had moved ahead ga a, joining his older brother Richard and Rob Wil- of Poland into third. Over the closing 500m, Italy liams and Chris Bartley for this event. The Bri sh There will be a chance to rekindle the “Dorney launched a stunning a ack, overhauling Greece to combina on faced the Olympic champions, Den- Roar” when the second round of the 2013 World win in a me only 4 seconds outside the world best mark, and the World Champions, Australia today Rowing Cup is held at Dorney Lake on 21/22/23 me and strong finish from GB nearly caught Greece. but not the Chinese who won the last world cup in June next year. LRC's Nick Strange coached the women's pair and Lucerne. eight to silver and bronze medals respec vely. ! PAGE 5 Boustead Cup
The Boustead Cup was founded in 1947 by Guy Boustead as an annual race between London and Thames Rowing Clubs. He presented the trophy in memory of his father J.M. Boustead who rowed three mes for Oxford in the Univer- sity Boat Race, including the year of the famous 'dead heat' (1877).
This year's races took place, in very fast condi ons, on Satur- day 18 February over the Uni- versity Boat Race course, from London 1st VIII Mortlake to Putney. half a canvas with the umpire sternly At the presenta on, The 3rd VIII started well on the warning Thames several mes round the held in the new Surrey sta on and held their first bend. Thames club house, nerve through the first few the Captain thanked minutes. A er a ght tussle Approaching Barnes Bridge, a clash oc- Thames for their with their opposi on they London 3rd VIII curred and the Thames VIII caught a crab hospitality and the came past the LRC flag pole a few on their bow side. London capitalised with organisa on of the lengths clear. a push to gain a significant lead. A er event. Since 1947 some words were exchanged between the Thames there have been 55 The 2nd VIII had a very close race, trading blows cox and the race umpire, Thames were disqualified, races, of which Lon- with their Thames opposi on un l Hammersmith, stopping the race early and making London victori- don have won 31, before breaking free and going on to win a superb ous earlier than hoped. and Thames 24 race. mes. A erwards, in the LRC bar, coach Phil Bourguignon The final race saw London's 1st VIII hold the pace of spoke highly of the tenacity and hard work of the an explosive start from Thames who had the favour- crews over the long winter and the coxes spoke able Middlesex sta on. The crew in blue were down briefly of their crews' performances. London 2nd VIII
! PAGE 6 Women’s Eights Head of the River Race Goldie Fixture
On 3rd March, for only the second me in its 156 edge to take advantage of the stream, over taking a year history, a London RC crew took to the water for further two crews by the Island. From Hammersmith the Women's Eights Head of the River Race. Bridge as the wind has swung round into a strong head wind, making the condi ons more challenging The crew, made up of predominantly lightweight for the lightweights, however they crew were ready scullers, set off 199th and so had an even ul race, and used the opportunity to break away from the overtaking and rowing down a great number of Osiris (Oxford) crew behind them and passing a fur- slower crews ahead of them to finish 18th overall ther two crews and they ploughed on into the home and second only to Cambridge University in their stretch. category. A er only two weeks together (and the first me rowing sweep for most members for a very The crew really appreciated the support of the long me) it was a great testament to both the skill men's squad, who could be heard cheering all the of the crew and the support of the coaches to be way from the Black Buoy giving the girls a welcome able to produce such a compe ve boat. li as they upped the rate, rowing neck and neck with Cambridge Lightweights down the line of The victorious London crew boats. The crew (from Bow) Kara Wirt, Meg Jackson, In March, London had a fixture with Goldie (the re- Alice Denyer, Orla Hayes, Natasha Bolsin, Kerryn Mi- serve Boat Race crew from Cambridge University). In nehan, Steph Cullen, Beci Humphries (Stroke), and beau ful condi ons, London beat the visi ng oppo- Jess Terrell (Cox). nents. Congratula ons are also in order to the Thames The fixture consisted of two pieces: one from the crew that won the race outright and had London Boat Race Stone (the star ng point for the Boat RC's Hannah Burke on board. Mortlake Anglican and Race) to St. Paul's School and another from Chiswick Alpha featured LRC's Jason Gray finishing 24th and Eyot to the University Post (the Boat Race finish). Tim Jackson also guided Sheffield University London won both pieces by open water (the first on smoothly down the Tideway. the Middlesex sta on, and the second on Surrey). The second piece was a cracking race; London got London Women’s VIII the lead with a fast start. This was absorbed by a Goldie push by Barnes Bridge. London then threw in The ladies got off to a solid start, overtaking four the kitchen sink for a long three and a half minutes crews before even reaching Barnes Bridge. From round the outside of the Middlesex bend to secure Barnes Bridge the girls used their Tideway knowl- victory.
! PAGE 7 The Head of the River Race & The Vesta Veterans’ Head
The Head of the River Race saw good results from all boot while the other casuals boat, London VI, had a gradually drawing closer. As they rounded the Ful- six crews entered, with the club retaining the Ver- good row also, finishing just outside the top 200 and ham bend the older of the two Vet B crews, gri ed non Trophy (for the fastest Tideway club) and win- were instrumental in the success of the a er party! their teeth and with a final call of "they're ning the pennant for the fastest IM2 crew. coming....PUSH!!!" from Ben, just got over the line first. A great paddle by both crews to finish London I executed a good race following a diffi- 8th and 28th overall. cult build up with illness, other commitments and injury as prevalent as usual. The oarsmen London III had an interna onal composi on of listened to the advice of their coach, Phil, and London oarsmen from America, Canada, Italy did the club proud, retaining the Vernon Trophy and Great Britain with an Irish cox. Peter Hal- and finishing in 6th place in a me of 18:08.82, ford said: "We were able to put in a few bursts 35 seconds behind the overall winners from the on the way to the start to get used to the boat Czech Rowing Federa on. and ra ng above 30. We were really lucky to have Orla coxing, bringing lots of confidence, London II finished 29th (18:37.84) having suf- steering an excellent course and a set of calls fered a collision with another boat which cost from the black buoy in taken straight from them significant me but it is testament to Gladiator." them they s ll finished in the top 30 and will have a real score to se le at next year's race. London IV were similarly pleased with their row. Not having rowed together as a crew be- London III had a good row and ended up win- The winning crews receiving their medals and the Vernon Trophy fore the day and compe ng against crews many ning the IM2 pennant, finishing four places and 5 years their junior, the provisional result of 114 out seconds behind London II in 33rd place in a me of The following day, London fielded five crews in the of 224 was very creditable, even more with the age 18:43.52. The members of this crew showed good Vesta Veterans’ Head. handicap applied which rather remarkably placed poten al for the summer with excellent commit- them 28th overall. Like their counterparts, this crew The MasB crews, self styled "LRC Legends", featured ment, work ethic and unity. greatly benefited from a fine course steered by their a number of oarsmen who had raced the HoRR the cox, and his helpful coaching. London IV struggled with difficult condi ons past previous day, reinforced by some actual LRC legends Hammersmith but nevertheless put in a brave effort such as Ben Helm, Jonty Williamson and James The Irregulars entered a MasG crew, who had a and came in 98th (19:20.33). Brown. The crews were star ng close together at good ou ng enjoying the fine condi ons, and al- 28th and 31st, and so the race to the finish was on. Finishing in a creditable 84th place inn a me of though they were overtaken by some crews, did Both crews were in fine overtaking form, each pass- 19:15.11, London V did very well in squeezing past overtake the crew immediately in front and a er ing several crews down the track, with the 2nd crew one of the squad VIIIs and had an enjoyable row to age adjustments finished 135th. ! PAGE 8 Ghent International Learn to Row
The club took a smaller but versa le group of ath- Saturday was slightly disappoin ng for all the men’s Bri sh Rowing launched 'Explore Rowing' in May letes to Ghent Interna onal this year. In what was coxless fours. The winning Wyfolds crew of last year 2010, aiming to have 10,000 more people rowing the first chance of the season to be tested over could not find their magical rhythm early on. A er once a week by 2013. The programme is designed 2000m against some high quality opposi on. The spending a long training session that evening on the to make the sport more flexible and to promote all weather was cold and wet with a cross head wind on water coached by Brian Ullio the crew began to find types of rowing alongside the tradi onal compe - both days. their form and produce a bronze medal in the final on pathway. on the Sunday. Head coach Phil Bourguignon had chosen to enter London Rowing Club is par cipa ng in this pro- most of the athletes in several different categories at Stuart Heap had a fantas c weekend winning gold gramme by introducing “Learn to Row” courses and this rega a. This meant a demanding schedule which both days in men's lightweight single sculls. Stuart by adding touring rowing to the Club’s ac vi es. The was all the more impressive when the medals did posted the fastest me in the heats on Saturday and programme requires stable boats and these have come as they were won on red legs, o en against always looked like the eventual winner. Stuart came been purchased with the help of a grant from Bri sh opposi on who had raced far less that day. second in his heat on the Sunday pulling out the Rowing. “Learn to Row” courses were held in June stops for the final where he won convincingly. and September. The London 2012 Olympic Games The men’s coxed four (Calnan/McKenzie/Palmer/ have generated an enormous interest in learning to Rushton Cox Terrell) performed consistently well The men’s quad was put together for the Sunday. row and the March 2013 course is fully booked. over both days looking strong and controlled against They soon struck a good rhythm to finish with a Bookings will resume in April 2013 when we will superior Taurus crew finishing with two bronze med- bronze. open our books for the course planned for June als. It was nice to see the women's lightweight quad 2013. The men’s eight (Ledgerwood/Bale/McKenzie/ come home with a medal a er compe ng against Palmer/Heap/Calnan/Rushton/Wilson cox Terrell) larger and heavier opposi on all weekend in cross finished with bronze on the Saturday behind a strong head winds. This crew gained in speed over the Molesey (Ladies Plate) crew. With less than 500m to weekend finishing eight seconds faster than the pre- go, London were lying in 5th posi on. Jess Terrell vious final in similar condi ons. (cox) made the call and the crew responded and London rowed through their opposi on to finish There were some other good performances from the third. women’s squad with both doubles reaching the finals against heavier opposi on. Orla Hayes won her heat The men's coxless pair (Espin and Aldred) showed in lightweight single sculls before ba ling extremely their inten ons as they went off hard from the start hard in the final finishing 4th. Alice Denyer made the of their heat and led all the way. In the final the pair final in her event and finished also 4th. fought and raced hard all the way only to be beaten by a strong Dutch crew. ! PAGE 9 Vogalonga Nigel Smith
Every year on Whitsunday the celebra on of rowing The Vogalonga has always been strongly supported Congratula ons to called the Vogalonga takes place in Venice. It was by London Rowing Club, and many members have Nigel Smith on his founded in 1974, when a group of friends decided to taken part over the years (who proudly sport a dis- award of one of Brit- hold a rega a and take a stand against the increas- nc ve turquoise e to commemorate their ish Rowing's Diamond ing use of motorboats and 'the deteriora on of the par cipa on). This year four members of the Ir- Jubilee medals. In city', and to celebrate Vene an tradi ons. For the regulars took part. Patrick Wilson teamed up with August BR announced event all motorised traffic is banned, and the waters members of the City Barge club and rowed in a four. that 60 medals would of Venice belong instead to gondolas, dragon boats David Whi en, Colin Chris e and Jeremy Hudson be awarded to volun- and canoes, as well as conven onal rowing boats, all teamed up with Boris Pecchiari and Luca Veliak, teers across the UK. powered by oar. both members of Cano eri Pullina, a rowing club Rowing clubs were based in Trieste, and rowed in a coxed clinker four invited to nominate borrowed from another Trieste club, S.T.C. Adria. "anyone who has Over 1,650 boats (6,000+ rowers) took part in this gone the extra mile the 38th Vogalonga. The weather was kind, increas- for our sport and is ingly bright with barely a breath of wind. The LRC an exemplar in their chosen field of rowing, who crew finished in the first 100 or so, managing to through their dedica on provides a legacy." avoid any major traffic jams along the way. It was Nigel was nominated jointly by London Rowing Club, no ceable how much quicker a conven onal boat is, of which he was Honorary Secretary from 1983 un l compared for example with a dragon boat contain- 2003, and by the Metropolitan Amateur Rega a, of ing five mes as many bodies! At a steady ‘half- which he was likewise Secretary for over 20 years, pressure’ the trip was completed in 2 hours 40 mins. and very much its driving force. As Secretary of the The deal with Adria and our colleagues from Pullina, Met he managed the rega a's successive moves however, entailed rowing back to their base in Ven- first from Thorpe Park to the Royal Albert Dock, and then on to Dorney. During this me the Met was London caps at the Vogalonga ice to collect their gear and then on to S. Giuliano near Mestre, from where they and the boat were to transformed from a rela vely small one-day event to The course of the Vogalonga is 30 kilometres long, be collected. So, long a er the race was completed one of the largest rega as in the country. On top of star ng at St. Mark's Basin, snaking an -clockwise the crew were s ll rowing across the Lagoon to their these responsibili es, Nigel regularly coached and round the Lagoon to the islands of Burano and Mu- final des na on. By the end, according to Luca’s GPS also rose to become a FISA umpire. rano and back into the City via the Cannareggio Ca- watch they had rowed 42K. It felt like a lot more, but We are delighted that his nomina on was accepted. nal, before the final pull down the Grand Canal, fin- it only took a couple of beers at Cano eri di Mestre An 'unsung hero' of our sport, Nigel is thoroughly ishing at the Punta della Dogana. for the crew’s sense of humour to be restored! deserving of this pres gious award. ! PAGE 10 Metropolitan Amateur Regatta - Saturday
With a forecast of cold rain and strong Meghann Jackson gained her first point, winning cross head winds course records were both her heat and the final of Women’s IM2 1x never going to be broken at this year’s leading both races from start to finish. Metropolitan Rega a. However this unseasonal weather did not dampen As always, the Men’s Elite 4- (Dunley/ Cawthorne/ some terrific racing at this year’s event. Aldred/ Espin) provided lively and aggressive racing With the crews not yet finalised for Henley Royal against heavy opposi on. Always looking to gain Rega a, Head Coach Phil Bourguignon had me to ground Marco wound the rate up to 40 for the final experiment with a few combina ons before making 250m to finish 4th. his final selec on. The Men’s Senior 4+ (Calnan/McKenzie/Palmer/ The Women’s Elite 4x (Cullen/Hayes/Denyer/ Rushton Cox Terrell) reached the final by bea ng the Humphreys) found themselves up against bigger and Taurus crew who had beat them at Ghent. They heavier opposi on. A er losing ground in windy and went off hard to the first 1000m always looking in control. In a strong cross-head wind, the lane allo- rough condi ons at the start, the crew sculled Meghann Jackson ca on became more cri cal and they were drawn in the less favourable lane 5 for the final. Again they Having benefited from their first race together ear- raced hard and fought well all the way down the lier in the day, the crew se led well and always course to finish 2nd to a heavier University of Lon- looked in control to win the repechage. Sadly this don Crew. new found confidence and controlled rowing could not be found in the final and they finished 6th. The Men’s IM1 4- (Wilson/Loveday/Bale/ Ledgerwood) looked a bit rough in the heat losing Merlin Dwan won his heat of Men’s IM3 1x com- ground at 900m only to fight back well to finish 2nd. fortably to go into the final, in which he led from the The final was a different story as they went off really front in an exci ng race up to 1000m, where Dear- hard, ra ng 40 through the 250m mark se ling into love of Walbrook made a push and began to inch a racy long rhythm. This was one of the ghtest away increasing the lead leaving Merlin to finish in races all day and London fought really hard all the second place. way to finish 3rd. Women’s Elite 4x Pete Stuart found himself against some s ff opposi- The Men’s IM2 4– (Mar nez/Lackner/Terrell/ on In Men’s Elite Lwt 1x finishing in 4th. through the other crews going on to win in style. Herron) managed to row through Exeter University The crew then split into two doubles finishing 3rd in to finish 3rd in their heat. This meant their only Elite and 2nd in Senior. route to the final now was to win the repechage. ! PAGE 11 Metropolitan Amateur Regatta - Sunday Reading Amateur
Scullers were once again to the fore on the Sunday, 1500m there was only a second in it! Marco went London’s men and women achieved a notable feat with Pete Stuart leading from start to finish to win into overdrive, winding up to 40. Brilliantly backed at Reading Amateur Rega a, winning all 6 of the Men’s Senior 1x. up by Aldred, Cawthorne and Dunley they were able events in which they entered, against good-quality to hold off Oxford to finish a credible 3rd. opposi on. In the process the Club also won both £500 cash prizes, offered by the Rega a to celebrate An experimental Men’s Elite 8+ decided to go out at its 170th anniversary, for the club winning the most full thro le from the start. At 750m and s ll in pole number of men’s and women’s elite events respec- posi on they were certainly causing Leander con- vely, over 1500 metres on the Saturday of the re- cern! Going off so hard has its price and London ga a. couldn’t maintain this pace. At 1000m they dropped off the pace but driven on by Terrell in the cox seat gained ground in the next 500m. Finishing 4th with a memorable start, the crew were certainly pleased with their efforts. The Men’s IMI 8+ started their heat well but lost the Pete Stuart pace at 1000m to finish 2nd. Drawn in the unfa- vourable lane 5 for the final the crew were off the In a very exci ng final of Women’s Elite Lwt1x, Orla pace from the start finishing 5th overall. While the Hayes was involved in a ght tussle with Rawlins of Men’s IM2 4- (Mar nez/Schmidt/Terrell/Herron) had Mortlake, Anglian and Alpha. Orla led from the start a really good race in their heat, taking the lead early and established a good posi on at 1000m. From rowing away from the field. However, this form could here Rawlins made her move to try and eat away at not be repeated in the final where they finished a Orla’s lead. This went all the way to the last few disappoin ng 4th. Men’s Elite 4+ strokes but, sensing victory, Orla never let it slip from her grasp! In their heat, the Women’s IM1 2x (Court-Smith/ M Elite 2x: LRC beat Twickenham easily Jackson) sculled away from the pack finishing easily M Elite 4+: LRC beat Birmingham Uni 2½ l The Men’s Elite 4- set off with a clear mission. Set- in 1st. In the final they again took an early lead but ng off at a high rate they didn’t se le for anything just weren’t able to respond to a sudden change of M IM1 4-: LRC beat Henley 2 l less than 36 against heavier opposi on. Looking very rate and pace from the Irish Juniors. From an unfa- M IM2 8+: LRC beat Winchester College 1½ l lively and compe ve the crew were lying in 3rd at vourable lane 5, the Women’s Elite 4x could not re- 250m. Oxford (containing the top 4 from the Blue peat the previous day’s success finishing 3rd behind W Elite 4x: LRC beat Reading University 3½ l Boat) started to gain ground on the London four. At winners No ngham. W Elite 2x: LRC beat Walbrook by 3½ l
! PAGE 12 Marlow Regatta Henley Women’s Regatta
London had another fairly successful day's racing at The Elite 4- (Dunley/Cawthorne/Aldred/Espin) had With the red boards up along the course earlier in Marlow Rega a. When the crews arrived at Dorney already shown enough quality to pre-qualify for the the week and the stream running very fast and high, it was soon apparent that prepara ons the London Visitors’ at HRR. A er dispatching the Oxford crew at the commi ee decided to me trial some of the 2012 Olympics were well and truly underway. Al- the Met they had since found more speed and were earlier rounds. To get an idea of how difficult the though the splendid grandstands and television tow- able to see them off as a threat at Marlow to finish condi ons were, coaches were strolling along the ers had begun to take shape, large sec ons of the second behind Oxford Brookes. tow path faster than the crews which were racing. venue were more akin to a building site than the At mes some of the single scullers appeared to be Dorney Lake we were familiar with. As one of the smaller crews , the IM1 4– (Hobson/ rowing on the spot and were recording mes of 9:30 Parnell/Maitland/Salter) found racing tough in such or slower for 1500m! This made this year’s event all the more difficult for windy condi ons, finishing 4th. the compe tors as the usual boa ng pontoons in The IM2 4- (Mar nez/Lackner/Bennet/Smidtch) had Senior Lightweight 2x front of the boat house were not accessible. This Court-Smith/Jackson struggled to make weight on meant boa ng in the warm-up lake, which in normal been plagued by injuries and illness. With lack of prepara on they were unable to make it out of the the Friday. A er swea ng down they successfully condi ons would have been fine – but with 25 mph qualified through the me trial. They won their first cross winds was not! heats. Unfortunately the Senior 8+ (Jorgensen/ Jarvis/Tyrrell/McGow/McInerney/Pregler/Wilson/ heat where they were always in control of the race. Following a few personnel changes, the Senior 4- Herron cox Gray) also failed to qualify for the final. In the final they were simply outclassed by the fa- (Heap/Loveday/Bale/Ledgerwood ) were now set- vourites from Wallingford. tling very well as the Wyfolds A crew. Winning both Our two very experienced Vets (van Tiel/van Andel) the heat and final in the unfavourable lane 1 this took to the water on Sunday to show the youngsters Elite 4x crew had certainly set out their creden als for racing how it’s done! Racing up a category they won both Cullen/Hayes/Denyer/Humphreys certainly had a through to the weekend at Henley. Masters A and B 2x events with ease. In the Masters race they would rather forget! Soon a er the Island, A event the only compe on came from Poplar, but Vesper (USA) and London were very close. Vesper Having previously impressed, the Senior 4+ (Calnan/ from half way London blasted ahead and won up a canvas up, were steering into London’s water McKenzie/Palmer/Rushton/cox Terrell) had suffered 'easily'. In the B event Poplar and Bewl Bridge when Cullen caught a boat stopping crab and found a dip in form. With me running out they needed to stayed with London again for the first 500m a er her spoon in her face! It took 15 seconds to restart recapture their form and gain more speed before which London again push ahead to win comfortably. and although the crew rowed out their full race HRR. Yet again they were in a tussle with Taurus The guys are hoping this will encourage our other plan, they lost 'easily'. Steph explained later that she whom they have beaten this season already. With Vets to compete more next year. somehow caught her blade in the wash and puddles Imperial thrown into the mix London found them- from the Vesper boat. selves out of conten on and had to se le for third place.
! PAGE 13 Henley Royal Regatta
Henley Royal Rega a provided a stern Wednesday In the Britannia, the London crew rowed over a er test for our crews and scullers. The London’s rega a got off to an even ul start in the Quin n Boat Club were disqualified for being on the strong headwind and stream provided Wyfold, when London ‘B’ took on Potomac Boat course at a prohibited me. an addi onal challenge to the crews Club from Washington D.C. Although leading by 1/2 who were o en much lighter than their length at the Barrier, Potomac had been warned Thursday opponents. Two crews reached Saturday's semi- several mes by the umpire about their steering. In the Thames, London established an early lead finals - last year's Wyfold winners went out to the Leaving the Barrier, the crews clashed oars and Po- over Kingston Rowing Club which they had extended GB under-23 heavyweight four in the Visitors' and tomac were disqualified leaving London to paddle to 2 lengths by the Barrier. Passing Remenham, Lon- the 2011 Britannia finalists just failed to repeat that home to record the club's first win of the rega a. don were able to reduce their rate to 33 and con n- achievement, losing to eventual winners Star Club. ued to draw away down the enclosures winning by 4 London ‘A’ recorded a comfortable win over Vesta 1/2 lengths.
Commen ng on the Club's overall performance, Rowing Club, leading at all the marks and crossing In the Britannia, London, looking resplendent in Captain Marco Espin said: the line 5 lengths clear. their LRC caps, had clear water by the 1/4 mile and 4 lengths by Fawley, going on to record an "easily" “Overall Henley was a firm test for all our athletes In the Thames, London cruised away up the island verdict over Henley R.C.. and crews. All crews came away having done solid establishing an early lead over No ngham Rowing performances but not with the result they would Club. Passing Remenham Club, London had reduced By the top of the island, London had established an like the most. I am sure the rowers will rise to the their rate to 31 and led No ngham by 3 lengths. early lead over their Austrian student opponents in challenge of improving to ge ng the very best re- The crew con nued to draw away down the enclo- the Visitors and had clear water by the 1/4 mile. By sults throughout next year.” sures recording an easily verdict. Remenham, London had established a comfortable
! PAGE 14 Henley Royal Regatta lead and dropped their ra ng to 30, eventually had reduced their rate to 31, and maintained their “Well, I can confirm that that hurt a lot... But the cruising home to record a 4 length victory. lead through the enclosures to cross the line some 2 support from the bank was amazing - especially the 3/4 lengths ahead of London. Remenham roar!” In the Wyfold, London ‘A’ took on The Tideway Scul- lers’ School, both crews se ng off at a fran c pace, Friday In the Visitors, before the end of the island, Taurus ra ng 48 along the island. Before the crews had In the Princess Royal, London's Imogen Walsh took found themselves 1/2 a length down and being reached the temple, umpire Fred Smallbone - offici- on Pajusalu of Estonia, who had finished 6th in W1x warned about their steering. At the barrier, London, a ng at his last rega a - was already reaching for his at the recent Olympic Qualifica on Rega a in Lu- s ll at 35, had opened up a length of clear water flag as the crews dri ed towards the centre of the cerne, in some of the worst condi ons of the day. and by Remenham, their lead had doubled to 4 course. By the 1/4 mile, the selected London 'A' Reaching the Barrier in 2.48, the Estonian sculler lengths. London con nued to draw away along the crew had moved out to half a length over Scullers had only managed to open up a 2 length lead, de- enclosures recording an easily verdict.
and maintained this lead at the Barrier and at Re- spite her 4 stone weight advantage. While Pajusalu In the Thames, following a short delay to clear some menham Club, where they were ra ng 36. A sus- extended this to 4 lengths at Fawley, cheered on by geese from the course, the crews were level at the tained push saw Scullers take the lead by 1/3 length a vociferous Remenham crowd, Walsh pushed hard end of the island. At the 1/4 mile, Upper Thames passing the mile signal. Ra ng 38 down the enclo- and began to reduce the deficit. Although Walsh started to ease ahead and had established a 1/2 sures, Scullers moved away from London 'A' to re- con nued her pursuit along the enclosures, Pajusalu length lead. Passing Remenham, Upper Thames had cord a hard-fought win by 2 lengths. proved too strong, however there was nothing easy extended their lead to 1 1/2 lengths. Although con- about the Easily verdict. Twee ng a er the race, ceding over a stone a man into a strong headwind, Despite some erra c steering off the start, Münche- Imogen said: London pushed hard along the enclosures but could ner Ruderclub von 1880 e.V. established an early not prevent Upper Thames going on to win by 2 1/2 lead over London 'B'. By Fawley, the German crew lengths. ! PAGE 15 Henley Royal Regatta Doggett’s Coat & Badge
Saturday London's Merlin Dwan won the 299th Dogge 's 5. Ben McCann (Poplar) - 29:23 In the Visitors, last year's Wyfold-winning crew from Coat and Badge Race. This annual race for newly In going one be er than last year's second place London were giving away nearly 3 stone a man to qualified Thames Watermen and Lightermen was behind fellow LRC member Chris Anness, Merlin be- the GB under 23 heavyweight coxless four into a first contested in 1715 and is thought to be the old- came the 5th member of the Dwan family to win the very strong cross-headwind that was whipping up est con nuing spor ng contest in the World. race. white horses on the course. London went off at 45 but by the 1/4 mile found themselves 3/4 length The race, rowed on the flood de, s ll follows the o- The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of the City of London, down on Oxford Brookes & Molesey. By the Barrier, riginal course from London Bridge to Chelsea, a dis- and LRC member, Alderman David Woo on, and the Oxford Brookes & Molesey had extended their lead tance of four miles and seven furlongs (7,400m). Lady Mayoress followed the Race. to 2 1/2 lengths and 4 lengths at Fawley. Despite a In September, LRC's Chris Anness was the winner of a special Diamond Jubilee Coat and Badge Wager. The race took place from London Dock (the eastern end of the old London Docks in Wapping) to London Bridge and was contested by five appren ces who had qualified from heats held over 2000m at the Royal Albert Dock. The results were as follows: 1. C. Anness - 12:19.77 2. P. Spencer - 12:31.68 high ra ng push along the enclosures London could 3. D. Arnold - 12:54.03 not get back on terms crossing the line 3 3/4 lengths Merlin Dwan Celebrates his win 4. A. Anderson - 13:03.18 down. 5. S. Coleman - 13:33.40 The results were as follows: In the Britannia, racing into a freshening cross- Unfortunately, Merlin Dwan, who had also qualified headwind, Star Club established an early advantage 1. Merlin Dwan (London RC) - 24:28 for the race, was not able to take part due to injury. and led by 1 1/2 lengths at the Barrier. At Remen- 2. Daniel Alloway (Imperial College BC) - 25:51 ham, Star had drawn further away to lead by 4 lengths in torren al rain. Star maintained their lead 3. Nathaniel Brice (Poplar) - 26:16 along the enclosures going on to win by 4 1/2 4. Stuart Coleman (Poplar) - 27:10 lengths. ! PAGE 16 Novice Rowing Lord Mayor’s Visit
Graduates of the Club’s first Learn to Row course majority of the par cipants have joined the bur- London Rowing Club member and Lord Mayor of took to the Thames in August for a weekend sculling geoning Development Squad headed up by Michael London, Alderman David Woo on, together with trip organised by Iain Laurenson. Two mixed quads Hill, with several members recently experiencing the Lady Mayoress, Liz Woo on, visited the Club in pushed off at 9am one sunny Saturday to test their their first taste of racing at Teddington and Remen- September. Together with the Club's Olympic medal- newly acquired skills, stopping for the obligatory ham Heads. Victory narrowly escaped the Mens’ lists, Sophie Hosking and Rob Williams, and Chief mid-row re-fuelling at the White Swan en route. Novice crew at Remenham who have earned the Coach and coach of Sophie's Double, Paul Reedy, Naviga ng the locks proved to be the first of many unfortunate accolade of being ‘second, by a second’, they were entertained to a informal lunch in the to Vesta. We’ll get them next me. Members' Room.
challenges but with expert guidance from Iain and The Lord Mayor noted the Club's links to the City Hugh Samuel, and with some very pa ent fellow LRC Men’s Novice 8 and complimented it on its long and successful his- river-users, catastrophe was averted on every occa- L to R: Brendan Thomas, Joe Baylis, Harry Lockyear tory and the breadth of rowing ac vi es that took sion. Several hours (and blisters later), the crews (Cox), Morgan Keery (LTR June), Wayne Barton (LTR place there - including, now, the Explore Rowing September),John McAvoy, Ali Calvert, Joeseph Sheratt programme. He congratulated Sophie on the style successfully arrived at Weybridge RC remarkably dry (LTR September), Rob Williams (LTR June) and in excellent spirits, despite all agreeing that a er with which she had won her Gold Medal and Rob on eight hours of sculling, if we ever sat in a plas c row- Huge thanks are due to Natasha Bolsin, Michael Hill, the grace with which he had accepted Silver - having ing seat again it would be too soon. Stuart Heap, Iain Laurenson, Hugh Samuel, Alan Fos- lost by the smallest of margins. The Lord Mayor con- ter and the numerous other Club members who cluded by toas ng the Club, Sophie, Rob and Paul. In The second Learn To Row course drew to a close in have given up so many hours and such pa ence to reply Paul spoke briefly about the involvement of November and has produced another set of enthusi- help the new novice group develop. We’ve all got interna onals in the life of the Club and how this as c novices eager to progress within the Club. The the bug and it’s thanks to you all! See you in Rio... contributed to its 'family atmosphere'. ! PAGE 17 Pairs Head Diamond Jubilee Regatta
LRC dominated the the Pairs Head, collec ng a total Further success in the mixed doubles for Jackson and Imogen Walsh maintained her winning form by of five pennants. Hughes, winning Mixed IM1 2x and Lackner and bea ng all the opposi on in Women's Open 2x on Court-Smith winning Mixed IM3 2x. Imogen Walsh day one of the Diamond Jubilee Rowing Champion- ships at Dorney. Walsh and Ruth Walczak (Molesey Boat Club) displayed top form, bea ng not just the lightweights in their category but also all the heavy- weights, by a convincing 8 second margin.
Other noteworthy performances came from Aldred, Garcia, Palmer and Dunley who finished second in the Men’s Open 4- B final, having narrowly missed out on the A final in a drama c sprint to the line.
Lindsay-Fynn and Aldred were the fastest LRC crew, Heap and Loveday finished a creditable 6th in the B finishing in 3rd place overall and snatching the Sen- just missed out on a pennant, finishing second in final of Men’s Open 2x, building on their perform- ior 2x pennant from James Loveday and Stuart Heap, Mixed Elite 2x, 40th over all, with Chris Boddy. ance at Pairs Head. who came in 4th and second in the category. Coming in just behind Imogen and Chris was the Mas Espin, Dunley, Garcia and Olympian Bill Lucas B 2x of Van Tiel and Van Andel, who won their cate- brought home bronze in the Mens Open 4x on day gory and finished 42nd. two of the Jubilee Rega a. The quartet won their A/ B semi, bea ng Cardiff University, but the tables Winners were turned in the final, and Cardiff were out for Sen 2x Aldred and Lindsay-Fynn revenge, pipping the LRC 4x to the line, as Leander IM2 2x Espin and Dunley took gold. Mas B 2x Van Tiel and Van Andel M IM1 2x Jackson and Hughes Imogen Walsh con nued her run of good form, and M IM3 2x Lackner and Court-Smith joined by fellow LRC girls - Mel Court-Smith and Beci Humphreys, stormed into 5th place in the Runners Up A final of Women’s Open 4x. Dunley and Espin not only overcame the la er's Sen 2x Loveday and Heap work demands by making it to the start! but also Mix E2x Boddy and Walsh won the IM2 2x and finished a creditable 6th overall. W E2x Humphreys and Denyer IM2 2- Garcia and Palmer ! PAGE 18 Head of the River Fours 2013 GB Trials
There were no pennants secured by LRC at this An impressive result also for the IM2 4+ who ran the In early December, trials were conducted at Caver- year's Fours Head but a solid showing all round. Elite 4+ close, with only 6 seconds separa ng the sham for the 2013 GB Team for Lightweight Men two. The Elite 4+ suffered from dragging debris in and Women as well as Heavyweight Women. All their fin down a lot of the course. racing was in single sculls. The trial was over 4km The results are promising for the lightweight trialists which allowed for a very quick turnaround at the with the winter assessments drawing closer, and halfway mark. LRC had 3 athletes for the "invita on give the rest of the squad something to build on only" event: Imogen Walsh, Stuart Heap and Mark through to Head of the River Race. Aldred, who were all chosen to compete on the ba- sis of their current and recent form. Sadly, however, there will be no Fuller's party for LRC members this year. Condi ons were near perfect and possibly the most "honest" racing condi ons for quite a while (unlike their counterparts on the Tideway). In total, there were 10 Lightweight male rowers, whose trial was won by Mike Mo ram. Stuart Heap finish 6th and Elite Lwt 4x importantly in front of some older foes and chal- lengers while Mark Aldred finish in 9th, in front of The Elite Lwt 4x of Espin, Heap, Aldred and Dunley Results an Olympian (who claims he's not great at sculling). con nued their stellar season, finishing 6th overall, Finish Start Crew Time just 5 seconds behind the Leander boat of interna- 6 11 LRC I Elite Lwt 4x 18:18.5 In the Lightweight Women’s trial Imogen Walsh ab- onally capped Kirkwood, Boddy, Mo ram and 14 18 LRC II Elite Lwt 4x 18:38.8 solutely dominated the en re field by over 2% on Clegg. 30 55 LRC VI IM1 4x 18:54.7 prognos c speeds and was only 2 seconds slower than the top Heavyweight woman. In doing so, Loveday, Bale, Loveday and Wilson moved up six 73 269 LRC VIII IM1 4- 19:36.8 Imogen was able to overtake a close rival and win places from last year's equivalent result (Bale/ 120 36 LRC IV Elite 4+ 20:00.7 her category by 23 seconds (over only 4km) so a Aldred/Maitland/Wilson) to finish in 14th place 140 343 LRC X IM2 4+ 20:06.9 great result for her. overall, 6th in Elite Lwt 4x. 165 272 LRC IX IM1 4- 20:16.9 177 62 LRC VII IM1 4x 20:19.6 Jarvis, Haliday, Parnell and McGow performed well 236 51 LRC* W Elite Lwt 4x 20:43.5 in IM1 4x, finishing 5th in the category behind the 292 46 LRC V W Elite 4x- 21:12.8 big guns of Leander, Imperial College and University of London. DNS 19 LRC III Elite Lwt 4x- DNS * composite with Putney Town RC
! PAGE 19 Scullers’ Head Cambridge Fixture
The 2012 Scullers’ Head was not the greatest reflec- London Rowing Club rowed a couple of pieces Finish at Chiswick Bridge. On this occasion, LRC on of the ability of the LRC scullers. In a system against what was reputed to be the faster of the took Middlesex and CUBC took the Surrey Sta on that rewards a previous year’s result with that start- two Cambridge University Trial eights. London’s from a sta onary start. Again, LRC pounced out of ing posi on the next, the organisers all but got it crew comprised 6 lightweights (or recent lwts) and the blocks and had the be er speed in the first 20 wrong with the de mes and speeds. London had two U23 oarsmen who had all raced in either GB strokes. However, CUBC had the advantage of the the majority of scullers star ng inside the top 100 - trials or the Scullers’ Head the day before and were bend. As the bend came into effect through the corresponding to the 7 pennants we had won last rowing together for the first me. Chiswick Pier crossover, CUBC gained half a length. year. On this occasion a start inside the top 100 (or Both boats were even on speed and rate un l the On a very subtle stream and into a s ff headwind, even the top 200) was the kiss of death. Bandstand where, due to some over-steering by LRC and Cambridge lined up for the piece at the CUBC, LRC moved back to within a third. Both boats Mile Post. The race was to the bo om of Chiswick London’s Richard Dunley started off in 2nd posi on then had to take evasive ac on to avoid some idle Eyot in rough condi ons with LRC on Surrey and and crossed the finish line in 1st, only to see his re- traffic in the direct line of the crews which saw Cambridge on Middlesex. From the start, LRC got sult drop down the list as the Novices and tailenders CUBC have a hard clash with the idle crew and the away to a slender lead with a more aggressive and completed the course. As the highest finisher within LRC crew stopped racing in the interests of fair play. higher ra ng start and both boats remained within a the top 100 star ng posi ons, a possible Overall win Both boats then realigned upstream of the Band- canvas as they passed Harrods. Soon a erwards has probably been missed, but that's the Tideway!! stand and from a sta onary start LRC again got away Cambridge took a push as London’s became a li le strongly. Coming under Barnes Bridge, LRC had Special men on goes to our three Pennant-winners: scrappy but s ll a point higher than CUBC. CUBC moved to a canvas lead and were moving faster as Pete Stuart - winner of Senior Lightweight, Antonio moved to third of a length at Hammersmith Bridge. the bend took effect. Coming past the White Hart, a Guzman - winner of Elite U23 (finished in 8th place As the bend started to come into effect, both cox- very strong headwind hit both boats and LRC moved overall) and Mar n Gaylard - winner of Masters I. swains were con nually warned as they fought for out to a half-length lead. With the finish line in We were unlucky in many other instances with a the line with very close blade-to-blade rowing. At sight, CUBC had an almighty push and stroke by string of 2nd and 3rd category finishes - too many to St. Pauls, with the boats locked in ba le but LRC stroke started to eat away at the LRC lead. By the men on! Let's hope they get the des right next moving ahead slightly, CUBC were warned again and Chiswick Bridge crossover, the lead was down to a year! Jess Terrell took the water and moved into the canvas and space whereby a clash took place. The clash lasted across the for 3 or 4 strokes and saw LRC move past a dumb- line LRC held struck CUBC stroke and move to a third of a length on to win lead. From there, LRC closed out the race to win by the race by 1 1/3 length. foot. The second race saw the 2 crews line up at the top of Chiswick Eyot and was a race to the Boat Race
! PAGE 20 London Rowing Club, Embankment, Putney, London SW15 1LB Office: (020) 8788 1400 (answering machine) Fax: (020) 8788 8643 House Manager mobile: 07976 671398 Email: [email protected] Web: www.londonrc.org.uk
! PAGE 21